As we've said before, when it comes to deciphering the
capricious world of trends, it all boils down to what the
oh-so-cool, MTV-viewing, Britney Spears-worshipping younger set
wants. That's especially true for teen girls, who constitute
the target audience for many a marketing entity. Everyone's
pretty curious what next femme-focused fad will sweep the
nation-the fad that transcends all age levels and becomes a
vast crossover-sort of like those pandemic power beads. So we
asked a couple experts what their predictions are for this
trend-setting group.

Karen Bokram, publisher and founding editor of Girls'
Life magazine, confirmed our suspicions that the power-bead
phenomenon was on its way out the door. So what's next?
According to Bokram, we'll see a lot of kids heading to class
with child-friendly versions of formerly adult electronic tools.
Electronic organizers, such as Vtech's Helio, and wireless
"intertainment" systems, like Cybiko (which people can
use to send and receive instant chat messages or play interactive
games), will find their way into the backpacks of many a savvy
teen. Beverly Hills, California-based Charmed.com even has a range
of Internet-ready fashion accessories like necklaces and bracelets
that allow wearers to access the Web and receive and send
voice-activated e-mail.

"It's kind of interesting that the only trends we would
associate with [business]-women are trickling down to suburban
girls," says Bokram. "Electronic organizers are really
the lead thing."

The cardinal rule when selling to young people? Treat them the
way you'd like to be treated, advises Karen Readey, former
research director at SmartGirl.com, a trends and opinion Web site
for girls ages 12 to 18. "Think of how you would want to be
approached," she suggests, "[Teens] don't like to be
talked down to."

And take heed, because this is one big market. According to
YM magazine, young women ages 12 to 24 spend a whopping $7.9
billion on clothing alone.

When watching for trends with teen and tween girls, the best
place to start is in your own backyard. Readey says the biggest
fashion-trend influences on teenage girls are each other.
"[They pick things] they think are sort of quirky to try
within their own peer group," says Readey.

Watch what the teens in your town are wearing and
saying-you may have to stock up on the latest glittery hair
thingy if your local young'uns decide it's just what
they're looking for.